Damaged Food Pantry Holds Food Drive

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MOULTON, Ala. (WHNT) — On Thursday, May 23, a fire damaged the food supply at the Open Arms Ministries in Moulton. To replenish the food pantry, the church will hold a food drive on Saturday, June 1.

The church asks for food items that can easily be stored and kept on hand, such as canned and boxed items.

“A lot of our working people are the ones that get in bad shape because they're working, trying to pay their bills,” said Jeff Cole, youth minister at Open Arms Ministry. “They don't get food stamps, but they're paying bills and trying to work and don't have enough food. So we try to help the working families have some snacks, most times for the kids.”

With the food pantry, Open Arms Ministry offered nourishment for both the body and soul as a place where people would turn for help. The remaining damaged food in the pantry will go in the garbage. Cole said the church typically helps about 30 families with groceries each month.

Cole tells WHNT the church still holds services and will remain active. They hope to make repairs and remain in the same building. Cole says they will go where the Lord leads them.

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The fire started in another part of the strip mall where the blaze worked its way from one business to anther until it reached the church. The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but the damage ruined everything not touched by the fire.

"It started over at the corner of the building and it just worked its way down and when it got in the roof, it was pretty well over," Cole said.